Garry Clarke reports on Warrington Rylands’ 7-2 friendly loss to Football League side Salford City on Saturday…

WARRINGTON Rylands were on the end of a seven-goal blast from EFL League Two Salford City in their second pre-season friendly at Gorsey Lane on a hot sunny afternoon which also saw them open their new changing rooms and hospitality lounge.

The game took time to get going as both sides were feeling their way into the action, with neither goalkeeper being called into action until the 30th minute when Andy Scarisbrick’s shot from the edge of the area was easily dealt with by Salford keeper Tom King.

The visitors started to get on top and cut the Rylands defence open twice in two minutes.

In the 34th minute, good build-up play down the left saw the ball crossed to Conor McAleny, who fired home from the edge of the area and two minutes later, Brandon Thomas-Asante turned home a cross from the right wing.

After a number of half time substitutions, Rylands started the second half strongly with David Webb heading narrowly wide of the target and King punching a fist into the air to keep out a rising shot from Callum Dolan.

On the hour mark, Salford, who fielded a strong team throughout, made several substitutions of their own which saw them end the game with an almost full-strength first team.

Their extra class was evident and had a major impact on the game, especially the introduction of Marcus Dackers who bagged himself a quick fire hat-trick, netting his first just six minutes after entering the field.

He had his second less than a minute later as from the kick-off, Rylands lost possession allowing Salford to find Dackers on the edge of the area from where he fired into the bottom corner.

Dackers played a part in both of Salford’s next two goals, starting a move in the 70th minute which ended with Matty Lund tapping home from close range and then setting up Ryan Watson to score the sixth. He then completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

Rylands hit back netting two late consolations in the final five minutes, Kane Drummond notching both.

The first came off the back of a defensive error which left the goal gaping, and the second was a powerful rising shot from a few yards out.

Warrington Guardian:

Kane Drummond nets for Rylands. Picture by Mark Percy

Rylands’ next friendly sees them travel to Cammell Laird 1906 on Saturday.